Monthly Archives: April 2017

Remembering a Loved One

In 2013, Julia and Marcus lost their son Isaac. Yet, every day he is with them, in more ways than one. And they put a meaningful emphasis on special occasions to include Isaac in any way possible. Julia even writes regularly on a blog style Facebook Page called Remembering Isaac. So it was without a doubt, that he would be included on their wedding day as well. Remembering a loved one is a journey in itself, it is part of life, and everyone processes it in their own way.

In 2015, I was approached by Julia to create some felt flowers for their
wedding. She wanted a bridal bouquet, wrist corsages, boutonnieres and centre pieces for the guest tables, as well a special centre piece for the head table. All of that was fine, and I was looking forward to creating unique floral pieces for their big day. The only thing that made me extremely nervous was the request for a special centre piece for their head table, for remembering a loved one. Julia asked if I could create a centre piece based on Isaac’s casket spray. And in her words she said “Morbid I know, but I loved them!” And I’m not one to say no, as I have nothing against that sort of thing, so of course I agreed.

While Julia left me to my own creative license for the arrangements, there were a few things I had to follow, in her brief. This included a selection of certain flowers such as daffodils, centre pieces where she would provide the base/vase/mini bucket, and a selection of smaller flowers for her daughter. Now don’t get me wrong, every bride should have a brief for their florist, as it makes my job so much easier! But when a client or bride ‘leaves it up to me’, the nerves kick in immediately! It’s safe to say that with this particular job, I had a deep mix of emotions. Learning of Julia’s loss and her story behind wanting the flowers that she did, made me emotional throughout the whole process. As a florist I was honoured, to be asked to create such a special arrangement, and as a mother, my heart was heavy with both sadness and love.

I started with the main table centre piece, as the guest table centre pieces were going to be based on that. It took me a long time to finish. I doubted myself and my creativity everyday until it was done. I often had to walk away from it, because of the emotions that came through me, whilst working on it. Even though Julia acknowledged it wouldn’t be, and didn’t have to be an exact replica of Isaac’s casket spray, I wanted it to be perfect. I sent her photos often, of the progress, so that I could tweak it if necessary.

Remembering a loved one: It wasn’t just the flowers she incorporated in to their wedding day, which had a special connection to Isaac. She also included Isaac in many other ways, including personalised cuff links for her husband, from our friends over at KJdesigns Handstamped Jewellery.Julia also added personal touches to her floral pieces. With her bouquet, she added a butterfly, in remembrance of Isaac.

Guest table centre pieces doubled as gift favours, for their close family members.

A daffodil was used in Lily’s hair. (Their daughter).

Isaac’s Corner:

It wasn’t until later in 2016, where Julia shared a post on her ‘Remembering Isaac’ Facebook page, that I learnt of the final destination of the head table floral arrangement.

In their home they have a special corner of their lounge, called Isaac’s corner. It is here where the head table arrangement from their wedding day now sits.

Julia told me that whenever she looks at Isaac’s corner, and see’s my flowers, she ‘can’t help but smile’ every time she sees them.

To know this, warms my heart. I feel blessed. Not only to have been involved in Julia’s & Marcus’s wedding, but also to have been able to create something, that connects them to Isaac each and everyday. To have created something that brings out some form of happiness from their grief.

It was at that moment, when all my fears disappeared. Whilst a new rush of mixed emotions hit me, I was relieved. A weight had been lifted off my shoulders, knowing that Julia and her family found comfort in something that I had created.

Julia, Marcus, Lily and Isaac, thank you! Thank you for allowing me to be part of your wedding. Thank you for trusting in me, and believing my creative skills. In was an absolute honour and privilege to create all the unique floral pieces for your big day. It brings me joy to know that a piece of my work, will forever live in your home, and bring a smile to your faces.